NAFSA Projection: U.S. Could Lose 111,000 International Students in 2026–27, a Drop of About 9.5%, as Ohio State's Main-Campus International Enrollment Falls 12.7% to 5,234
Preliminary projections by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International estimate that the United States could lose as many as 111,000 international students during the 2026–27 academic year, a decline of about 9.5 percent. The projected reduction could cost the U.S. economy approximately $3.4 billion in economic contributions and put nearly 40,000 jobs at risk. The publishers note that the 111,000 figure is a projection, not a confirmed final enrollment count, and that individual university figures are reported fall 2026 changes.
Several major universities have already reported declines. Ohio State University recorded a 12.7 percent decrease in international students at its main campus compared with fall 2025, falling to 5,234, despite an overall 1.4 percent increase in university enrollment; the university also reported a 20.7 percent decline in students from China. International enrollment at Indiana University dropped 15.6 percent year over year, the University of North Texas lost more than 1,300 international students between fall 2025 and fall 2026, and the Universities of Wisconsin system reported that international students accounted for nearly two-thirds of its overall enrollment losses.
Data cited by NAFSA indicate that applications to U.S. doctoral programs fell 21 percent for fall 2026, contributing to a 17 percent decline in international admissions at participating research universities, while international submissions through the Common App declined by 9 percent for the 2026–27 application cycle. Visa appointment delays, increased immigration scrutiny and uncertainty around student immigration policies were cited among the factors, with Germany, Spain and Japan named among destinations benefiting from students reconsidering U.S. plans. NAFSA urged the U.S. government to improve student visa processing, reconsider restrictions affecting international students and preserve Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Source: NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 俄亥俄州立大学校园（Wikimedia Commons）
Moderate Slate Sweeps Three San Francisco School Board Seats; Teachers Union Shut Out for First Time in a Decade2026-11-08
Murray State University Reports 10,010 Students for Fall 2026: Second-Largest Enrollment in a Decade, Freshman Retention at 80.4%, Average Time to Degree Falls Below Four Years at 3.992026-11-08